Step into the sun-dappled shade of New Zealand’s lush native rainforest for an immersive sensory experience where conservation, cuisine and community come together.

On our Nourishing Nature experience, you’ll head to the beautiful Waitakare Ranges to visit a native forest farm that’s taking traditional native plant ingredients into some of Auckland’s best restaurants. You’ll forage herbs and plants with expert guidance, discover their taste profiles, and learn how reforesting native bush supports New Zealand’s rich biodiversity.

You’ll choose a native sapling to plant as your contribution to restoring the forest and to stand as a living marker of your visit to Aotearoa New Zealand.

After the planting, you’ll discover the unique flavours of forest produce alongside artisan local flavours in a spectacular open-air glasshouse in the forest. Here you’ll co-cook a seasonal lunch over an open fire while you enjoy the sight and sound of native birds in the trees and learn more about local food customs over a communal long table.

Every aspect of the Nourishing Nature experience is designed to be light on the earth and connect to the community in a meaningful way. You’ll travel in an electric vehicle, eat community-sourced produce and learn about New Zealand’s native forest biodiversity, all the while supporting small local businesses.

Welcome to an experience for people who want to leave a lasting positive impact on the place they’ve come to explore.

Practical Details

Time: Every Wednesday 9 am - 2:30 pm

Price: NZ$ $799 for 2 people. Includes guided ecological activities, native tea tasting, co-cooked lunch, and a dedicated tree planting.

Transport: Electric taxi transfer transport option for NZ$110 per person return (minimum 2 people). Guests also have the option to self-drive to Velskov forest. Please note that parking is free and that there is a 5-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the forest.

Programme

  • 9:00 AM — Pickup from the CityPrivate electric transfer to Velskov Forest (pickup outside The Hotel Britomart), or self-drive if you choose.

  • 9:45 AM — Arrival & Welcome Briefing. Gather with tea made from native herbs. Overview of the day and safety check-in.

  • 10:15 AM — Educational talk, Foraging and Tree Planting. Walking down into the forest and learn about the New Zealand Native Rainforest and its seven layers. Plant and name your native tree, and participate in a short intention-setting or gratitude moment.

  • 11:30 PM — Co-Cooked Fire Lunch. Create and share a simple meal around the fire, using seasonal and indigenous ingredients — stories of the land, the work, and the people who protect it.

  • 1:30 PM — Wrap-Up. Closing thoughts and group farewell

How Your Regenerative Travel Experience Helps New Zealand

Regenerative Travel is a new concept that goes beyond sustainable travel. While sustainable travel focuses on minimising the negative impacts of tourism, regenerative travel aims to leave a positive impact on the destination.

It’s social-led, instead of product-led, and gives guests the opportunity to forge a lasting connection. From community engagement, economic empowerment and education, you'll actively contribute to making a positive impact during your visit.

Community Engagement

You’ll actively engage with and contribute to the local community during your visit, supporting local businesses and respecting local customs and traditions.

Environmental Conservation

You'll leave a positive impact on the environment through foraging, understanding the environment and tree-planting.

Cultural Respect

You'll learn local customs and traditions and practice cultural sensitivity during your visit.

Economic Empowerment

You are benefiting local economies by supporting small businesses and artisans.

Education and Awareness

You’ll learn about the native forest you are visiting and the importance of reforestation as well as the challenges and opportunities of native food farming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • For your comfort, please wear clothes that you can layer and shoes suitable for walking. Velskov also provides a limited number of gumboots and rain jackets.

  • We recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen (for the summer months), a rain jacket (for the winter months), as well as a water bottle, camera and insect spray.

    Don't forget any medication you may need, such as allergy prevention or treatment.

  • The experience features tastings of fresh ingredients from the farm and local area, which vary daily. While specific dietary requests cannot be guaranteed, please inform us of any allergies when booking at hebe@velskov.com.

    • Round-trip transportation from The Hotel Britomart to Velskov Native Forest Farm with a dedicated driver.

    • A guided walk through the native forest farm.

    • Expert-guided herb and plant foraging.

    • A tasting experience featuring forests foods in a beautiful open-air glasshouse.

    • Learn how reforesting native bush helps New Zealand’s rich biodiversity flourish.

    • The opportunity to plant a native tree sapling, to help restore the forest.

  • Yes, if you are doing the tree planting, guests need to be physically mobile and fit for a short walk through the forest.

  • Yes, you are welcome to make your own way to Velskov Native Forest Farm. We encourage you to use eco-friendly electric vehicles to help reduce your environmental footprint.

  • Yes, there is a compostable toilet available for use at the off-grid native forest farm.

  • We understand that plans can change. You can cancel your booking up to 10 days before the booking date for a full refund minus an admin fee of 20%. Cancellations made within 10 days are not eligible for a refund.